Cochlear implants can provide a whole new degree of sound and communication when hearing aids are not enough. These tiny devices are implanted through surgery and are meant for individuals who have moderate to extreme hearing loss and continue to have trouble understanding speech in spite of using hearing aids. Who can potentially benefit from a cochlear implant, and what criteria determine whether someone is a suitable recipient for this technology? Let’s examine it more thoroughly!
What is a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants function by exciting the auditory nerve directly, avoiding the damaged sections of the inner ear, unlike hearing aids that simply amplify sound. This helps the brain to receive and decipher sound signals more clearly.
Components of cochlear implants:
- A sound processor located outside the ear, and positioned behind it
- During a surgical procedure, an electrode array and internal receiver are placed underneath the skin and within the cochlea
They work together to improve hearing for individuals who get minimal or no assistance from conventional hearing aids
Basic candidacy guidelines
Both kids and adults are approved by the FDA to use cochlear implants. Characteristics of Suitable Candidates:
- Moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears
- Minimal results from hearing aids, particularly with understanding speech
- Incentive and realistic expectations about the outcomes of implantation
- Dedication to follow-up care, including programming (called “mapping”) and auditory
rehabilitation - Children as young as 9 months old, with profound hearing loss in both ears
- Youngsters aged 2 and above with significant to severe hearing impairment, who do not experience major improvement with traditional hearing aids
- Children with progressive hearing loss, where hearing continues to decline over time
- Have severe hearing loss in one or both ears
- Experience trouble understanding speech, even with high quality hearing aids
- Have a strong ambition to communicate and stay socially connected
- Are willing to participate in continuing hearing therapy and device programming
- A full hearing test with and without hearing aids
- Speech recognition testing
- A hearing aid trial, if one hasn’t been carried out recently
- Using medical imaging like CT scans or MRIs to examine the structure of the inner ear
- Consultation with an ENT professional or cochlear implant surgeon
- Conversation about goals, expectations, and communication rerquirments
Hearing hope for young minds: implant technology for children
Early implantation is important for children, especially when it comes to speech and language development. The FDA currently approves cochlear implants for:
Early treatment helps assure the best possible results for language acquisition, scholastic success, and social growth. Parents are encouraged to act quickly if they suspect hearing
loss.
Adult cochlear implants
Cochlear implants can help adults of all ages who:
Some people lose hearing slowly over time, while others might lose it suddenly due to illness, trauma, or hereditary conditions. Cochlear implants can be a life-altering solution in either case.
Getting assessed for cochlear implants
Candidacy for a cochlear implant is determined through a thorough assessment with a specialized hearing care team. This typically includes:
The team will collaborate to identify if a cochlear implant is the appropriate option and, if necessary, lead you through the subsequent stages.
Bringing back sound to enhance life connections
Cochlear implants may not be suitable for everybody, but for the appropriate individual, they have the potential to considerably improve communication skills, independence, and total well-being. The initial step, whether it is for yourself or your child, entails going through a customized evaluation with a skilled team of hearing care professionals.
If hearing aids aren’t helping as much as they used to, it may be time to explore cochlear implants.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if you or your child is a candidate!
Sources:.
– https://www.healthline.com/health/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.med.unc.edu/ent/adultcochlearimplant/cochlear-implants/cochlear-implant-.
evaluation-process/.
– https://www.cochlear.com/us/en/professionals/products-and-.
candidacy/candidacy/cochlear-implant.
– https://www.childrensent.com/blog/who-qualifies-for-pediatric-cochlear-implants-a-.
comprehensive-guide/.